Big performance in NFC title game gives ex-Michigan State WR Devin Thomas a spark

Greg Jones: Devin Thomas 'needed' big game vs. 49ersNew York Giants receiver Devin Thomas recovered two fumbles by San Francisco to help get his team to the Super Bowl – a performance that was critical to his career, according to Giants linebacker and former Michigan State teammate Greg Jones.

INDIANAPOLIS — Life has been anything but stable for New York Giants wide receiver Devin Thomas since foregoing his senior season at Michigan State to enter the 2008 NFL draft.

After catching 79 passes for 1,260 yards and eight touchdowns for the Spartans, Washington selected him near the top of the second round (34th overall), but in just over two seasons with the Redskins, things never really worked out.

In just over two seasons with the team – he was released four games into the 2010 season – Thomas had just 35 catches for 435 yards and three touchdowns.

After a brief stint with Carolina, the Giants became Thomas' third team in 2010. His receiving statistics don't show it, but he's having an impact in New York.

During the NFC championship game against San Francisco, Thomas recovered a pair of fumbles on special teams. The second one led to the Giants' game-winning drive in overtime.

Once the Giants sealed their trip to Super Bowl XLVI to face the New England Patriots, Thomas was on the sidelines, shedding tears of joy.

"You could tell that he'd been going through a lot," said Giants rookie linebacker Greg Jones, who was also Thomas' teammate at Michigan State. "He had a couple tears going in the locker room. He needed that. He needed that game; he needed it for his career. He works hard and I think it paid off."

It's not the first time Jones saw Thomas come through in the clutch.

"Especially for our program in college," Jones said, "he brought us through in some tough games when we were down, so I think he deserves it."